The Hogfish 125 
that the line did not touch the water within thirty 
feet, and slowly rose with a peculiar rhythmical 
thrill. Forward went the butt and it was slowly 
lifted; down dropped the tip, the reel singing of 
victory, the multiplier eating the line with its 
marvellous appetite. The fish swam in a semi- 
circle, bearing off, but losing ground, coming in 
steadily. It soon recognized the situation and, 
with a lunge forward, turned and plunged directly 
outward with an impetus that was irresistible, tak- 
ing back the hard-earned line. The water was 
comparatively shallow and there was no deep 
sulking, and as the fish played midway between 
bottom and surface the sport was intensified by 
the insistent surging, the great curves, and the 
repeated plunging ever outward. Again and 
again the fish was turned by the pliant rod; now 
to the right, leading it into shoal water, again to 
the left. And now, as its strength was waning, the 
reel gained, and soon a great red spot against the 
blue grew larger, and still making a gallant fight, 
bearing hard against the marvellous thread which 
held it, the great fish came to gaff and was igno- 
miniously hauled ashore, its queer little eyes 
gleaming, its tail beating the water in furious and 
impotent protest. As it was hauled into a little 
